Government appoints Justice SV Bhatti as Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court

Government appoints Justice SV Bhatti as Acting Chief Justice of Kerala High Court

He will take over the post after the retirement of the current Chief Justice S Manikumar

The Central government has notified the appointment of Justice SV Bhatti as the Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.

The Ministry of Law & Justice notification read, "In exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti, senior-most puisne Judge of the Kerala High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from 24.04.2023 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice S. Manikumar, Chief Justice, Kerala High Court.”

Meanwhile, in April, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his appointment as the Chief Justice and not Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.

The Collegium had noted in its resolution that Justice Bhatti was the senior-most judge from the Andhra Pradesh High Court and was functioning on transfers as the senior-most judge of the Kerala High Court.

It further added that Justice Bhatti's experience as a senior puisne judge in two high courts would be useful in dispensing justice as the Chief Justice of the high court of Kerala. Also, there was no Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh serving as Chief Justice of any High Court.

The resolution also stated, "Having regard to all relevant factors, the Collegium is of the considered view that Justice S V Bhatti is fit and suitable in all respects to be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court.”